Tuanku Chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, said with the concept of a borderless world, graduates have to be prepared for the changes in global thinking with regard to economy, humanity and universal security as all of them have an impact on the well-being of Malaysians.

"Graduates are urged not to engage in violence-based movements that go against religious principles," he said at the 41st Convocation Ceremony (2017) at the Main Hall, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Culture and Arts Centre here today.

He also said that graduates should strive to combat drug abuse that will not only damage their thinking, physical and emotion but can also cause a great damage to the people and the nation if not eradicated.

"I'm disappointed upon being informed that drugs have not only influenced the youths but also teenagers who are still in schools. Graduates should play an active role in the society to combat this symptom from spreading," he said.

"Graduates should work on combating drug abuse that is not only damaging to the thinking, physical and emotion but can also cause a great damage to the people and the nation." - Sultan Sharafuddin

At the four-day UPM Convocation Ceremony from 4 till 7 November 2017, a total of 6,500 graduates of various programmes of study will be conferred their degrees and diplomas which include doctorate degrees (PhD) (627), master’s degrees (1,628), bachelor’s degrees (3,720) and diplomas (525).

"I am pleased that UPM has surged 41 stairs to be at the 229 ranking of the world's best universities in the QS World University Rankings compared to its 270 ranking in 2016.

"Congratulations, for in the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur 2017, a total of 75 UPM students have contributed 37 medals which comprise 15 gold, 11 silver and 11 bronze medals to the country" - Sultan Sharafuddin

"I am also pleased that UPM has strengthened its ranking as the 36th best university in Asia in the ‘QS Asia University Rankings 2018’," said Sultan Sharafuddin.

He also congratulated UPM as in the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, a total of 75 UPM students had won 37 medals comprising 15 gold, 11 silver and 11 bronze medals.

"I urge the alumni to continuously returning to UPM either physically or through any other means to join in the effort in helping UPM. This will enable UPM to function as a relevant knowledge hub at all times," he said.

Sultan Sharafuddin was also pleased with the close collaboration between UPM and the industry to add skills to students such as its strategic cooperation with Sime Darby Berhad, AirAsia, Holstein Sdn. Bhd. and Malayan Flours Mill Berhad.